COMMUNITY ADVISORY board 

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) comprises migrant community leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the Women RISE WISH Project. Their deep understanding of migrant realities helped guide research decisions, ensuring that the study accurately reflected the lived experiences of migrant women.


As trusted voices within their communities, CAB members provided valuable insights, cultural perspectives, and strategic feedback throughout the research process. Their involvement ensured that the findings highlighted key issues toward contributing to meaningful change for migrant women.


meet the community leaders
Dr.rubiah Anak Ajan
Focal Person
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor

Ms.Dwi Sutistiyani
Indonesian Community Leader
SERANTAU
Ms. Sapana Basyal 
Nepali community leader
 Love Penang Network

Ms. Nadia Sultana 
Bangladeshi community leader
North South Initiative

Ms. Nusrat Shamrin 
Bangladeshi community leader

Ms. Sampreety Gurung 

Nepali community leader

Mdm. Babie C De Vera Wong 
Filipino community leader
Fire and Rescue Association (FARA) Philippines KL
Ms. Pau Nuam Pii 
Myanmar community leader
Myanmar Ethnics Organization

feedback from community researchers
Dwi_BW

Ms. Dwi (Indonesian community leader, SERANTAU)

"Working with the research team and the Indonesian migrant community has been transformative. I have witnessed the incredible resilience of women who had to become primary breadwinners during the pandemic while managing caregiving responsibilities. Their strength has inspired me, and this research has empowered me to contribute to a more supportive community environment."

Mdm Babie_BW

Mdm. Babie Wong (Filipino community leader - President of Fire and Rescue Association (FARA) Philippines KL)

"This project has opened my eyes to the struggles of overseas foreign workers (OFWs), from securing employment to adapting to life abroad. As an active member of the data collection process, I gained the strength to better support and counsel my community. This experience has deepened my understanding of their hardships and resilience before, during, and after the pandemic."

Nadia_BW

Ms. Nadia Sultana (Bangladeshi community leader)

"My work with the Bangladeshi migrant community has shown me the power of shared experiences and support networks. Many women found ways to generate income despite job losses, demonstrating incredible adaptability. This research experience has been a powerful reminder of the strength within migrant communities."

Nuam No_BW

MS. Nuam No (Myanmar community leader)

"Participating in this research has strengthened my commitment to advocating for migrant rights. The challenges faced by women—particularly regarding documentation and employment—became clearer through this study. Engaging with their stories has deepened my understanding and motivation to support them."

Rekha_BW

Ms. Rekha (Nepali community leader)

"Through this project, I learned so much about Nepali migrants’ struggles in Malaysia. Many endure hardship for the sake of their families back home. This experience has empowered me to advocate for their rights, help them navigate challenges, and be a voice for those who often go unheard."

How CAB Members Shaped the WISH Project

The contributions of CAB members were critical in strengthening the research approach and ensuring that findings were accurate, actionable, and community-centered. Their input led to the following:

Refined research tools – CAB members reviewed and adjusted survey questions and interview techniques to ensure they were culturally appropriate and relevant to migrant women’s realities.

Improved outreach & engagement – Their insights helped tailor communication and recruitment strategies, ensuring greater trust and participation from migrant communities.

Strengthened knowledge dissemination – Their perspectives shaped how research findings were presented.

Ongoing community impact – Beyond the research, CAB members continue to advocate for migrant women’s rights, using the project’s findings to support community initiatives and policy discussions.